I worked in Qatar for 2 years. Qatar’s and UAE’s currency is not that different. My salary was 7000 QR. You can live a quite decent life in that amount. At first i thought that rate was fair enough but when i got there, there are a lot of graphic designers who are less experienced than i am and earning more than i do. I would suggest you demand for more like 10k to 12k (depends on your experience). You can demand for a free accommodation and transpo. A lot of companies in the mid east are doing that. Accommodation (this is just a room and not the whole flat) is around 1.5k. You can have a room mate so you can cut the price down. Food is not that expensive. I would say 1k – 1.3k is enough for the whole month.

We currently live in the UAE. You can survive with 6.600 a month, but don’t expect any luxury. Decent housing is rather expensive, and you have to pay the rent at least four months in advance.

Also, keep in mind that your visa is tied to the employment contract. So, if you lose your job, you’ll have a month to find another one, or establish your own business, otherwise you’ll have to leave the country. There is no freeloading around here.

Highly skilled personnel is in demand and usually better paid. As spinfx already said, don’t accept an offer under 12K + housing.